Pediatrics . Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2025-2026: Technical Report

[tetano]

Pediatrics


. 2025 Jul 28.
doi: 10.1542/peds.2025-073622. Online ahead of print.
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2025-2026: Technical Report

Committee on Infectious Diseases

• PMID: 40717224
• DOI: 10.1542/peds.2025-073622

Abstract

This technical report accompanies the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics for the routine use of influenza vaccine and antiviral medications in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2025-2026 influenza season. The rationale for the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation for annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age is provided. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community against influenza. This technical report summarizes recent influenza seasons, morbidity and mortality in children, vaccine effectiveness, and vaccination coverage and provides detailed guidance on vaccine storage, administration, and implementation. The report also provides a brief background on inactivated (non-live) and live attenuated influenza vaccines, available vaccines for the 2025-2026 influenza season, vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding, diagnostic testing for influenza, and antiviral medications for treatment and chemoprophylaxis. Strategies to promote vaccine uptake are emphasized.

[tetano]

Pediatrics


. 2025 Jul 28.
doi: 10.1542/peds.2025-073620. Online ahead of print.
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2025-2026: Policy Statement

Committee on Infectious Diseases

• PMID: 40717223
• DOI: 10.1542/peds.2025-073620

Abstract

This statement updates the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the use of influenza vaccines and antiviral medications in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2025-2026 influenza season. A review of the evidence supporting these recommendations is in the accompanying technical report (https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-073622). The AAP recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community as well as reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses when other viruses are cocirculating. Any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be administered, as soon as possible in the season, without preference for one product or formulation. Antiviral treatment of influenza is recommended for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized or have severe or progressive disease or have underlying conditions that increase their risk of complications of influenza. In this situation, antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible regardless of duration of illness. Antiviral treatment is an option in the outpatient setting for other children with suspected or confirmed influenza in some circumstances. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is an option in certain individuals, especially exposed children who are asymptomatic and are at high risk for influenza complications but have not yet been immunized or those who are not expected to mount an effective immune response.